John Terry may not play any part in Chelsea’s Christmas schedule, with interim
manager Rafael Benítez unsure when the centre-half’s knee injury will permit
a return to action.

Benítez’s concerns over Terry are compounded by David Luiz’s questionable credentials as a defender. In a candid admission of the Brazilian’s qualities, Benítez said yesterday that it was “safer” to play Luiz in midfield than at centre-half, where his errors can prove costly.

Terry has not played since hyper-extending his right knee against Liverpool on Nov 11, and despite early predictions of a return within three weeks, he continues to be troubled by swelling in the joint.

Benítez said the club captain’s recuperation was a case of “one step forward, one step back”, and while Terry took part in the warm-up at training yesterday, he is not yet kicking a ball, and Benítez would not predict when he would return to the team. He will certainly miss the visit of Aston Villa to Stamford Bridge tomorrow , the first of a seasonal run of four games in 11 days which Benítez could not guarantee will feature the captain: “You never know. That he is on the pitch is positive news. But we have to wait and see. He has an inflammation and the knee is so complicated.

“Today he was fine with the warm-up but the next day it can be a problem, it can be one step forward, one step back. I hope he will be available at Christmas but I can’t guarantee anything. You can’t predict when he will be available.”

Terry’s injury is another cloud over a difficult season which may end with doubts over his long-term future at the club. He has 18 months of his contract left, and with talks over an extension yet to begin, could end the season in the same position as Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard, with only a one-year extension on the table.

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Chelsea have a policy of only offering single-year extensions to over-30s and Terry, 32, will want a swift resolution to his position in the summer.

Luiz has no such worries as he is one of the most engaging talents in the Chelsea side and a favourite of owner Roman Abramovich, but his cavalier approach, and habit of making costly errors, most recently in the 5-1 midweek win over Leeds, divides opinion about his best position.

Having had four weeks to assess his squad, Benítez is leaning towards the view that Luiz is a central midfielder of rare promise, rather than long-term centre-half. He was used in midfield in last week’s Club World Cup semi-final against Monterrey, and Benítez says that, given his penchant for risk-taking, that is where his future lies.

“It’s easier for him [in midfield]. At centre-back one mistake everyone sees. In midfield it’s easier. He likes to play and enjoys keeping the ball, passing the ball and going forward. If he adjusts those things at centre-back he will be even better.

“He’s a player who likes to play and wants to help and win. He likes to be seen to take a risk where it’s necessary. I encourage him to try things. To do the easy things as well but are times he has to try things.”

Terry’s absence may restrict Luiz’s chances in midfield over the Christmas period, where Lampard’s return to fitness offers Benítez more options. Lampard seems increasingly likely to leave the club by the summer, but in a demonstration of his limited brief as interim coach, Benítez admitted he had no influence over his situation.

“We are not talking about this [his future]. I see a player training well and working hard. It would be better [for me] in other circumstances, and to be in another position where you can make decision. But I knew what was going on, so I have to concentrate on my position and do the best that I can.”